Biology is the key science of the 21st century.  The University of Basel offers a variety of degrees in biology, including a Bachelor of Science in Biology with three specializations and six different Master of Science programs. At the Biozentrum you can specialize in the  molecular biology and uncover the molecular secrets of life.

Our extensive biology program opens up a wide range of career perspectives, such as in research, teaching, communications or consulting, in the fields of medicine and biotechnology, in the pharmaceutical and food industry at universities or in government organizations.

Bachelor of Sciences in Biology

The Bachelor’s degree program takes three years. It is jointly offered by the Biozentrum, the Department of Environmental Sciences and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. After a first year of studies in scientific basics, you can specialize in one of three different majors: Molecular Biology, Animal and Plant Sciences, and Integrative Biology. 

Research and teaching at the Biozentrum is focused on Molecular Biology. Here you can study for a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Major in Molecular Biology or for a Bachelor of Science in Computational Sciences with a Major in Computational Biology.

What makes studying at the Biozentrum in Basel so special? You will be involved in active research at an early stage, you will find all relevant research fields in molecular biology combined under one roof and we will provide you with intensive and research-oriented supervision. You will be studying in an international environment with researchers from 40 different nations and at one of the world-wide leading institutes for Molecular Life Sciences.

We expect from our students a Swiss “Matura” or equivalent high-school degree as well as curiosity, problem-solving skills, creativity, perseverance, and, of course, a flair for science.

Master's degree in Biology

In continuation of our Bachelor’s degree in Biology, the University of Basel offers six different Master’s degree programs: Molecular Biology, Animal Biology, Epidemiology, Infection Biology  and Ecology and Plant Science. Thereof, the Biozentrum’s focus is on Molecular Biology. 

The Master’s degree takes three semesters. Much of this time is spent independently in the lab working on your research project. The prerequisite for admission to the Master's program in Molecular Biology is a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Major in Molecular Biology, in some cases Integrative Biology, or a Bachelor of Science in Computational Sciences with a specialization in Computational Biology.

Our Bachelor‘s and Master’s degrees are recognized throughout Europe.

New: Master’s degree in Physics of Life

As of the fall semester 2024, the Biozentrum offers a new Master’s degree program in Physics of Life. It provides training in cutting-edge research at the interface of physics, mathematics, engineering, and life sciences. The program is particularly suitable for Bachelor graduates with a strong focus on mathematical methods and/or experimental methods in physics, chemistry, or engineering during their Bachelor’s degree.  The Master’s degree takes three semesters. Much of this time is spent in the lab working on two smaller research projects and your Master’s thesis. Information about the prerequisite for admission can be found here.

Diploma in Biotechnology

The University of Basel jointly with the Universities of Strasbourg and Freiburg in Breisgau also offers a trinational biotechnology program. It combines know-how in biology and engineering and also teaches you economics, patent law and languages. It takes three years. The prerequisite for admission is at least four semesters of undergraduate studies in natural sciences, medicine or technology.

The diploma in biotechnology is generally recognized throughout Europe.